Through the years, I have spent a lot of money on books. While serving as pastor of the Lakeland Baptist Church located on the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks, I developed a pretty good library of Christian writings, and used them in preparation of sermons and counseling. In 1983 I gave most of those books to my pastor, Jay Piper. Jay was a great pastor and was so supportive on One Accord's singing ministry. We even had him sing with us one time when we hosted the Blackwood Brothers. Not long after I gave the books to Jay, be became terminally ill and died at the age of 41. We sang at his funeral.
As the years have gone by, I accumulated more Christian books. Commentaries, books authored by well-known writers as well as books not so well-known. I used those in preparing sermons while serving as interim-pastor of two churches in the St. Louis area. As Sue and I began "down-sizing," I looked at all the books and decided to call our pastor, Dr. David McAlpin, and see if he would like to look at the books and take anything he wanted. Yesterday, he came by and reviewed the authors and took three boxes of books with him. He took old books and new books and a set of commentaries. His son just graduated from Liberty University and David took some for his son. It was fun visiting and I enjoyed his reaction when seeing some of the older books written by men who have gone on to be with Jesus.
David McAlpin is a rare breed. I have been around preachers much of my life and he is one of the few who listen when you speak, and look you in the eye while listening. I told him he had the first characteristic of a serving leader. Sue and I are so fortunate to have David as our pastor.
I have a very important MOHELA board meeting Friday. The Missouri legislature has passed legislation and Governor Blunt has signed the bill that will allow MOHELA to give 315M dollars to the state for building repairs at state universities. Included in this bill are provisions that will allow MOHELA to do things that were previously not allowed. One of the things I want to do is pilot a program for parents of kindergartners that would encourage them to begin saving for college and MOHELA will help them by matching their savings.
At our Friday board meeting, I have asked Dr. Robert Spence, one of our board members who is also president of Evangel University, to share with us some of the things he believes MOHELA can do for private universities that use our services. Dr. Spence is a great Christian who has led EU in a marvelous way. I look forward to hearing from him.
I write this on the seing in our backyard. It is a very pleasant morning to be outside, especially with Service Master cleaning our carpets.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Serving your family - They Deserve it!
Today was a very interesting day. I am sure Sue will go into more detail about it on her blog; however, it was special for me to see three people I have grown to love go back in time and visit some places that had been special to them.
We drove east of I-70 toward St. Louis to find the old Calvary Baptist Church. Sue's dad taught himself how to lead singing and lead a choir and became the music director at Calvary. The church had great preaching from a pastor who was incredibly talented. Not only was he a sensational pulpiteer, he was great on the organ and piano. Reverend Nelson Reagan was a great influence not only on Sue's dad, but caused her to want to learn to write. The music, under the direction of Sue's dad had to be great. This little church grew to number over 1000 in Sunday School and had to move their service to the Pauline Theater where the aroma of popping corn caused worshippers to sometimes stray in their concentration. Today, the building still stands as a church and is suprisingly well-kept. We took a picture of Sue in front of the church and also one of her mother and dad. We drove by the house where Sue's parents lived when she was born. Except for the church, the surrounding area has not been as well-kept as we might like. The memories of Sue and her parents were memories of great joy. That is a good thing.
We drove south on Goodfellow ave. to CoteBrilliant street only to find that the four family flat where they one called home was no longer an edifice. A vacant lot between two houses brought a little sadness. Not far from that address was a school where Sue went to kindergarten. Although it appears that the building could use a bit of "fixin' up," it is still in use and is a very attractive place of memories for Sue. We then headed west on Natural Bridge to Brown road and drove to another elementary school where Sue was a student. That school was close to her home, which at that time was on Bobb Street. We drove by the house where Sue lived until she went to Oklahoma Baptist University (a poor choice of colleges when Baylor was available). The house on Bobb is still an attractive frame house and Sue and her parents recalled many joyful events that happened while they resided there.
We drove back to St. Charles on I-70 and had lunch at Cracker Barrel. It was fun for me to listen and watch mother, father, and daughter look back at their very special hereitage. One of the most special things that they enjoyed and still enjoy, is that Jesus is Lord and He has directed their paths.
We drove east of I-70 toward St. Louis to find the old Calvary Baptist Church. Sue's dad taught himself how to lead singing and lead a choir and became the music director at Calvary. The church had great preaching from a pastor who was incredibly talented. Not only was he a sensational pulpiteer, he was great on the organ and piano. Reverend Nelson Reagan was a great influence not only on Sue's dad, but caused her to want to learn to write. The music, under the direction of Sue's dad had to be great. This little church grew to number over 1000 in Sunday School and had to move their service to the Pauline Theater where the aroma of popping corn caused worshippers to sometimes stray in their concentration. Today, the building still stands as a church and is suprisingly well-kept. We took a picture of Sue in front of the church and also one of her mother and dad. We drove by the house where Sue's parents lived when she was born. Except for the church, the surrounding area has not been as well-kept as we might like. The memories of Sue and her parents were memories of great joy. That is a good thing.
We drove south on Goodfellow ave. to CoteBrilliant street only to find that the four family flat where they one called home was no longer an edifice. A vacant lot between two houses brought a little sadness. Not far from that address was a school where Sue went to kindergarten. Although it appears that the building could use a bit of "fixin' up," it is still in use and is a very attractive place of memories for Sue. We then headed west on Natural Bridge to Brown road and drove to another elementary school where Sue was a student. That school was close to her home, which at that time was on Bobb Street. We drove by the house where Sue lived until she went to Oklahoma Baptist University (a poor choice of colleges when Baylor was available). The house on Bobb is still an attractive frame house and Sue and her parents recalled many joyful events that happened while they resided there.
We drove back to St. Charles on I-70 and had lunch at Cracker Barrel. It was fun for me to listen and watch mother, father, and daughter look back at their very special hereitage. One of the most special things that they enjoyed and still enjoy, is that Jesus is Lord and He has directed their paths.
Friday, May 18, 2007
A Week of Press Conferences
This had been a week of press conferences. Wednesday, MOHELA held two press conferenes, one at the Science Center in St. Louis and the other in the board room of the Metropolitan Community Colleges in Kansas City. Business, education, government, and labor leaders met to discuss national and state recommendations for addressing challenges in engineering, math and science. At these meetings MOHELA announced the details of new investments to help Missouri address these challenges. Following the meeting in St. Louis, we flew to Kansas City to announce the MOHELA initiative on the western side of the state. The press conferences were attended by a capacity crowd in both cities with television crews from three cities in Missouri as well as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Kansas City Star.
Today, a press conference regarding volunteerism was held in the Holiday Inn in Wentzville, MO. Rick Warren was very interested in what is taking place in the Westplex area of Missouri. One important announcement was that the city of St. Louis is joining in our effort. Governor Matt Blunt has already pledged his support. I made a presentation regarding the characteristics of serving leaders. John Howard, the great American cycilist was present and he shared a bit about his outstanding career and his winning endeavors in three olympics.
God has been opening new doors for me this year and I am grateful for that. It is a good thing to have the opportunity to represent Jesus in the secular world. When I speak of serving leaders, where could I find a better one than the Son of God.
Have a great Memorial Weekend!
Today, a press conference regarding volunteerism was held in the Holiday Inn in Wentzville, MO. Rick Warren was very interested in what is taking place in the Westplex area of Missouri. One important announcement was that the city of St. Louis is joining in our effort. Governor Matt Blunt has already pledged his support. I made a presentation regarding the characteristics of serving leaders. John Howard, the great American cycilist was present and he shared a bit about his outstanding career and his winning endeavors in three olympics.
God has been opening new doors for me this year and I am grateful for that. It is a good thing to have the opportunity to represent Jesus in the secular world. When I speak of serving leaders, where could I find a better one than the Son of God.
Have a great Memorial Weekend!
Friday, May 4, 2007
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER & A TRIP TO MISSOURI' CAPITAL
Yesterday was the National Day of Prayer. President Harry Truman (a Missourian) began that program in 1952. My day began by attending the St. Charles Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. Patti York is our mayor and she is a very attractive lady who has led our city in a very special way. My friend Ed Watkins was the MC of the event and he asked me to bring a "Dove Award" to the breakfast so we could honor Sue for her achievements. That was fun to hold the award up so all could see. Todd Worrell was the featured speaker. He is a former great relief pitcher for the Cardinals and later for the LA Dodgers. Todd is presently the pitching coach for Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis. That school is outstanding and they are fortunate to have some fine students who are the sons and daughters of professional athletes who have been excellent in their field. Todd stressed the importance of relationships, especially having a relationship with Jesus.
After the prayer breakfast, Ed and I drove to Jefferson City to meet with some of the elected leaders of Missouri. We talked to Rep Sally Faith who is a WAJonian. Also we visited with Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Senator Chuck Gross and Rep. Tom Dempsey. Tom had just returned from Springfield where he had accompanied Governor Matt Blunt to the Prayer Breakfast there. Former Senator and Attorney General John Ashcroft was the speaker and according to Gov Blunt and Rep Dempsey, he was dynamite.
I had scheduled an appointment with Governor Blunt for Ed and me. I talked to him, his chief of staff, and deputy chief of staff about the direction the Missouri Higher Loan Authority would be taking following the passage of Governor Blunt's "Lewis and Clark Program" in the Missouri House. The Senate has already approved it. We will be funding $350M to help colleges and universities in Missouri with some of their building projects. I believe it is a good program and will not affect any student from obtaining a loan from MOHELA. Ed shared some things that resulted from Rick Warren's visit to St. Louis a few weeks ago that involves volunteerism in Missouri. Governor Blunt was a good listener and said he would help us. He is 37 years old and looks about 25. More importantly, he is a great Christian. PRAISE GOD FOR THAT. It is special to have such a man as the leader of our state.
Ed came away so excited about our visit and the promises Governor Blunt made. It was a good day.
I will be glad to have Sue home for a while. She is special.
After the prayer breakfast, Ed and I drove to Jefferson City to meet with some of the elected leaders of Missouri. We talked to Rep Sally Faith who is a WAJonian. Also we visited with Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Senator Chuck Gross and Rep. Tom Dempsey. Tom had just returned from Springfield where he had accompanied Governor Matt Blunt to the Prayer Breakfast there. Former Senator and Attorney General John Ashcroft was the speaker and according to Gov Blunt and Rep Dempsey, he was dynamite.
I had scheduled an appointment with Governor Blunt for Ed and me. I talked to him, his chief of staff, and deputy chief of staff about the direction the Missouri Higher Loan Authority would be taking following the passage of Governor Blunt's "Lewis and Clark Program" in the Missouri House. The Senate has already approved it. We will be funding $350M to help colleges and universities in Missouri with some of their building projects. I believe it is a good program and will not affect any student from obtaining a loan from MOHELA. Ed shared some things that resulted from Rick Warren's visit to St. Louis a few weeks ago that involves volunteerism in Missouri. Governor Blunt was a good listener and said he would help us. He is 37 years old and looks about 25. More importantly, he is a great Christian. PRAISE GOD FOR THAT. It is special to have such a man as the leader of our state.
Ed came away so excited about our visit and the promises Governor Blunt made. It was a good day.
I will be glad to have Sue home for a while. She is special.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN A WINNER
Sue Herweck Smith has always been a winner. God blessed her by sending her to Hal and LaVerne Herweck so she could have outstanding Christians as parents. Always a good student, Sue was highly successful in high school, Oklahoma Baptist College, finally graduating from Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis.
A long-time friend of mine called me and said he had word of an alleged "88." and she was expecting me to call. An "88" was code for Tom and me indicating a girl was a fox. I was not too hot on blind dates, but decided to call and ask her out. I planned to take her to a fine restaurant for dinner, if she was indeed an "88." We went to a restaurant in St. Charles that at that time was a special place. This was the beginning of a special relationship, not only for Sue and me, but also for her daughters, Jamie and Holly, and my son, Rick. We blended our families into one and agreed that no one would ever be called "step-anything." Sue was immediately mom for Rick and I was dad for Jamie and Holly. Rick, Jamie and Holly remain brother and sisters today, enjoying a close relationship with each other.
Prior to our marriage, Sue and the girls had joined One Accord and had become an integral part of the group. Sue not only sang with the group, she also sang some solos and played the bass guitar. Jamie and Holly joined Rick, singing as the "One Accord Kids." Sue had already begun writing and we were singing some of her songs. We still have people call us for the song that was her testimony, "I Came to Love You Early." Recognizing Sue's talent for writing was not difficult and as we began to get exposure as a singing group, individuals in Nashville saw what the members of One Accord knew.
Tonight, she won her second and third Dove Award for writing a Christian musical and a children's musical. With the success she has experienced, one might think she would believe she had arrived as a writer. NOT SO!!! Sue continues to study, pray, read her Bible, and grow as a writer. Not only is she a great writer, she is also a great wife and mother. What can we say about her accomplishments as a writer? CONGRATULATIONS Sue, you deserve a lot of credit. Jamie, Rick, Holly, and I love you and we thank Jesus for all He has done for us.
A long-time friend of mine called me and said he had word of an alleged "88." and she was expecting me to call. An "88" was code for Tom and me indicating a girl was a fox. I was not too hot on blind dates, but decided to call and ask her out. I planned to take her to a fine restaurant for dinner, if she was indeed an "88." We went to a restaurant in St. Charles that at that time was a special place. This was the beginning of a special relationship, not only for Sue and me, but also for her daughters, Jamie and Holly, and my son, Rick. We blended our families into one and agreed that no one would ever be called "step-anything." Sue was immediately mom for Rick and I was dad for Jamie and Holly. Rick, Jamie and Holly remain brother and sisters today, enjoying a close relationship with each other.
Prior to our marriage, Sue and the girls had joined One Accord and had become an integral part of the group. Sue not only sang with the group, she also sang some solos and played the bass guitar. Jamie and Holly joined Rick, singing as the "One Accord Kids." Sue had already begun writing and we were singing some of her songs. We still have people call us for the song that was her testimony, "I Came to Love You Early." Recognizing Sue's talent for writing was not difficult and as we began to get exposure as a singing group, individuals in Nashville saw what the members of One Accord knew.
Tonight, she won her second and third Dove Award for writing a Christian musical and a children's musical. With the success she has experienced, one might think she would believe she had arrived as a writer. NOT SO!!! Sue continues to study, pray, read her Bible, and grow as a writer. Not only is she a great writer, she is also a great wife and mother. What can we say about her accomplishments as a writer? CONGRATULATIONS Sue, you deserve a lot of credit. Jamie, Rick, Holly, and I love you and we thank Jesus for all He has done for us.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
MORE THOUGHTS ON EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
There is a new leader at a place where I used to work. It is so sad to see the direction he is taking the organization. Morale among the employees is extremely low, and if he looked around to his back, he couldn't find anyone following. It is not because he is a bad person, he is simply using poor skills in leadership.
I am enjoying the book Sue gave me entitled "The Leadership Skills of Billy Graham." It is so interesting to see him at work in a way one would never see him in a crusade. Dr. Graham has been included in "Good Housekeeping's" most-admired list for decades. It appears that every person on that list is a positive person. When we think of Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and my friend Dr. Arthur L. Mallory, we think of positive persons. It is interesting to discover that Dr. Graham's family nicknamed him "Puddleglum." Puddleglum is a character in C.S. Lewis's book series, the Chronicles of Narnia. Puddleglum is a brave but glum creature, always expecting the worst. Graham's family used this name for him with humor and affection.
Dr. Mallory told a group of Christians that he learned long ago that if he went into his job as president of a university or commissioner of education in a bad mood that some employee would have to go home with a bad headache or and upset stomach. Mallory, IKE, and JFK used engaging smiles to make people feel better and let them know that they were worthwhile employees and that went a long way in their success as leaders.
One of my teachers in high school wrote in my yearbook: "Keep that big smile, it's an invaluable asset." In leadership, it is an asset.
I am enjoying the book Sue gave me entitled "The Leadership Skills of Billy Graham." It is so interesting to see him at work in a way one would never see him in a crusade. Dr. Graham has been included in "Good Housekeeping's" most-admired list for decades. It appears that every person on that list is a positive person. When we think of Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and my friend Dr. Arthur L. Mallory, we think of positive persons. It is interesting to discover that Dr. Graham's family nicknamed him "Puddleglum." Puddleglum is a character in C.S. Lewis's book series, the Chronicles of Narnia. Puddleglum is a brave but glum creature, always expecting the worst. Graham's family used this name for him with humor and affection.
Dr. Mallory told a group of Christians that he learned long ago that if he went into his job as president of a university or commissioner of education in a bad mood that some employee would have to go home with a bad headache or and upset stomach. Mallory, IKE, and JFK used engaging smiles to make people feel better and let them know that they were worthwhile employees and that went a long way in their success as leaders.
One of my teachers in high school wrote in my yearbook: "Keep that big smile, it's an invaluable asset." In leadership, it is an asset.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Real Leadership is Hard to Find
A number of years ago, a young man who took over the presidency of Missouri's second largest university at age 31, was confronted by his dad with this proposal: 'Why don't you take a cut in pay, mow your own lawn, and prepare your own meals and provide some leadership in education?" Dr. Arthur L. Mallory left Missouri State University and became the best commissioner of education Missouri has ever had. Following his tenure as commissioner, Arthur became president of the Missouri Baptist Convention where he again provided great leadership.
Dr. Mallory is a servant leader and a dedicated Christian. His entire family serves our Lord in various capacities and it was a privilege for me as Chairman of the Missouri Higher Education Authority (MOHELA) to give him a plaque indicating our appreciation for his leadership to Missouri students and families.
Sue recently gave me a book entitled "The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham." I have not completed reading this accounting of Dr. Graham's leadership, but what I have read suggests that he was not much of a speaker or leader until he gave himself totally to Christ. Could this be the key to great leadership? When you study leadership, very little credit is given to Jesus as a leader; however, even if you take the fact that He was the Son of God out of the equation, the fact remains that more that 2000 years after he lived, more that 75% of American adults claim belief in His deity and more that 2 billion folks worldwide claim that same belief.
Rick Warren is pastor of a church that has 70,000 believers. When you look at the ministries of Dr. Warren and Dr. Graham, you must conclude that these folks have some special abilities in the way of leadership. President Woodrow Wilson said: "Absolute identity with one's cause is the first and great condition of leadership." Jim Collins, who authored "Good to Great," said this: "We were surprised, shocked really to discover that real leadership requires a paradoxical blend of humility and 'ferocious resolve.'"
The world tries to keep the leadership of ministers, preachers, and popes in the church. Sadly, we as believers often do the same. But when you think about it, the greatest leaders in our world are believers. You and I might be one of those hard to find leaders if we would do what Billy Graham did a long time ago - give ourselves totally to God.
Dr. Mallory is a servant leader and a dedicated Christian. His entire family serves our Lord in various capacities and it was a privilege for me as Chairman of the Missouri Higher Education Authority (MOHELA) to give him a plaque indicating our appreciation for his leadership to Missouri students and families.
Sue recently gave me a book entitled "The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham." I have not completed reading this accounting of Dr. Graham's leadership, but what I have read suggests that he was not much of a speaker or leader until he gave himself totally to Christ. Could this be the key to great leadership? When you study leadership, very little credit is given to Jesus as a leader; however, even if you take the fact that He was the Son of God out of the equation, the fact remains that more that 2000 years after he lived, more that 75% of American adults claim belief in His deity and more that 2 billion folks worldwide claim that same belief.
Rick Warren is pastor of a church that has 70,000 believers. When you look at the ministries of Dr. Warren and Dr. Graham, you must conclude that these folks have some special abilities in the way of leadership. President Woodrow Wilson said: "Absolute identity with one's cause is the first and great condition of leadership." Jim Collins, who authored "Good to Great," said this: "We were surprised, shocked really to discover that real leadership requires a paradoxical blend of humility and 'ferocious resolve.'"
The world tries to keep the leadership of ministers, preachers, and popes in the church. Sadly, we as believers often do the same. But when you think about it, the greatest leaders in our world are believers. You and I might be one of those hard to find leaders if we would do what Billy Graham did a long time ago - give ourselves totally to God.
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